at the sign of The Pink Pig

The Toucan, The Lion, And Me

[Free stuff by Wilfrid:  February 6, 2012]

The Toucan and The Lion is such an earnestly adventurous little spot that I almost wished I'd visited anonymously so I could give them the big critical cheer.  As it is, Tabitha, the charming owner, invited me along.

Together with her partner Craig and the enthusiastic service staff, they gave me quite a night out.  Suffice to say I'll be going back - as a paying customer.

Quick Bites: Ristorante Aglio

[Free stuff by Wilfrid:  February 6, 2012]

I was happy to accept an invitation to explore the menu at Aglio, a romantically lit trattoria on a Tribeca strip which has become quite the Italianate restaurant strip:  Bread, Petrarca, White & Church, and so on.

Aglio's challenge is to differentiate itself from its neighbors.  The setting and service make progress in that direction.  The food, though pleasant, needs to catch up.

Easing Into February: Ten Years Ago

[Pink Pig Time Machine:  February 6, 2012]

I mentioned last week that I was just getting busy posting on eGullet ten years ago, with no intention whatsoever of becoming any kind of "food blogger." 

I refer to it again, because it was eGullet - or rather the enthusiasm of co-founder Steven Shaw - which sent me to Bid.

Quick Bites: Karczma

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  February 3, 2012]

A fellow gastronaut joined me recently to explore the gin palaces and low dives of Greenpoint.  To line our stomachs against the challenge, we resorted to Karczma on Greenpoint Avenue, just off the neighorhood's main crossroads.

We found portions worthy of gargantua at remarkably low prices.